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Posted: 10/7/2008 7:42:16 PM EDT
| I was wondering, can you replace a bolt during any time of the barrel's life, without any reliability/headspace issues? |
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The LM&T and BCM from The Bravo Company are both top quality bolts. www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-AR15-Bolt-Assembly-MPI-p/bcm%20bolt%20assemly%20mp.htm |
For me, it's a peice of mind. Insurance mind you. People run there Bushmaster BCG's with no problems, But look at it as a upgrade. |
So do you think I should upgrade the bolt, or both the bolt and carrier? am I really going to notice a difference with the standard LMT carrier, they appear to be the same as the Bushy carrier. |
I would keep the standard carrier. 
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If it's working don't change it. I've got two Bushmaster uppers and have not had a problem with either. I did add the BCM extractor upgrade. You won't notice any difference between what you have now and a new BCG. Parts do break though. I have an extra carrier and a couple extra bolts in my spare parts box. If something does break I can get my rifle up and running quick. I won't worry about headspace until I need to replace a bolt. Whatever you decide I would leave the bolt paired with the barrel. You might have headspace issues if change the bolt. The more rounds you've shot the more likely it is. |
I would say yes. You might run into headspace issues depending on how much use the barrel's seen. Putting a new bolt in a used barrel shouldn't be cause for concern. |
| IMHO if it ain't broke dont fix it. ALL the cracked/broken M4 bolts I have seen (12 to date) were made by Colt and MPI'd.Those were from very,very,very high milage millitary guns. So as long as your bolt is properly made from Carpenter alloy #158 and properly heat treted I see no reason to get wraped around the axle about it. but you know others will dissagree. flame away if you like. |
How long has the material Carpenter alloy #158 been used for the bolts? |
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MP inspection can indicate flaws but it will not find all flaws. When bolts are forged from cheaper stock, such indications can go undetected because of the gepmetry of the bolt. Likewise, shot peening only helps in placing the surface intp compressive stress. It does nothing to the wild geometry like the bolt lugs. A bolt made of quality vacuum arc remelt alloy and then machined with care will provide life just as long if not longer than a typical Colt. |
So, what is the standard bushy bolt made out of? |
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